If you’re in between jobs as an independent animator, or just starting and looking for work, we’ve compiled this list of some of the most useful places independent animators find their next gig (or have their next gig come to them).
Post Your Availability in Your Socials
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many animators hesitate to publicly share when they’re looking for work for various reasons—from feeling embarrassed to thinking it’s not worth the effort. However, there’s no shame in sharing your situation on social media, especially in the independent scene, where animators can take on numerous projects throughout the year and have days, weeks, or even months off between jobs.
LinkedIn even has their “Open to Work” banner feature which claims a 40% increase in recruiter InMails when used. Another effective strategy is to announce your availability if you know your current contract ends at a certain date. This positions you as someone in demand rather than out of options.
Overall, consider posting about your job search on social media and discussing it within your friend groups—you never know when a new opportunity might land in your lap.
Open Commissions via Social Media
Why not create your own revenue stream by opening commissions to your followers via Twitter, Instagram, or otherwise? The commission could include illustrations, graphic design, 3D modeling, short animated loops, or any other creative project. Here are some popular commission types to consider:
- Custom D&D characters
- Animated wedding (or other event) invitations
- Pop-culture character sticker sheets
- Pet watercolor paintings
- Couple caricatures
If you’re looking for advice on how to market and price your commissions, check out this short informational video by Mimimoo Illustration, who’s successfully built a career out of commissions.
Post Your Services or Browse Opportunities on Marketplace Sites
Marketplace sites are places where artists can post their services for hire, or bid on projects that are posted. While competition can be very high – since anyone from around the world can post or bid – marketplace sites are still an option if you find yourself exhausting other options. In fact, some animators like Guy M. who specializes in Explainer Videos, have made a whole career out of marketplace services. Plus, showcasing your work can help increase your visibility online.
If you’re considering diving into marketplace jobs, the three most popular marketplace sites are Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
Browse Animation-Specific Job Sites
Unfortunately, there aren’t many animation-specific job sites that maintain up-to-date postings, but there are two excellent options. The first is Animation World Network, which is also one of the largest animation news aggregation sites. The second is Animated Jobs which keeps a current RSS feed of animation jobs from around the web, including studio-submitted jobs.
Browse Video Game Opportunities
Many independent animators overlook video game projects when searching for work. However, there is a high demand for animators in the gaming industry, especially now that indie animation is thriving like never before.
If you’re more of a generalist, indie game studios could be an excellent fit for you. Because these studios tend to be smaller, they typically seek animation generalists—those who can illustrate, create 2D animations, or even do 3D modeling. Additionally, smaller team sizes often mean you’ll have more influence and responsibility, allowing you to make key decisions regarding the art of the game you’re working on.
Two sites where indie game studios frequently post job openings are Work With Indies and Game Jobs.
Local Studios and Agencies
A strategy that some indie animators employ successfully is reaching out to local agencies and animation studios by sending them their reels and an introductory email outlining who they are and what they specialize in.
The aim here is to raise awareness about yourself, so that when these companies have a need for a specific type of animator, you are the first person they think of—and they already have your email. And since many jobs are remote now, you can connect with any agency or studio in the world.
Search Popular Job Sites
While not always the best option for indie animators, it’s worth mentioning that popular job sites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn—which are typically focused on full-time studio positions—may still feature contract work or listings from smaller studios that might not be aware of other avenues for posting animation jobs. To easily filter your search, use their tools to look for keywords such as “animator,” “2D,” or “CG.”
Your Best Option As an Independent Animator
Overall, your best strategy for finding consistent work as an independent animator is to immerse yourself in the animation community—specifically, the group of animators who specialize in your area of expertise (such as 3D, 2D, motion graphics, etc.). Since independent animators are always on the lookout for new opportunities, when someone discovers a job that requires additional animators and knows you are a good fit and actively seeking work, they are likely to make an introduction on your behalf.
Want to learn more?
